First the easy part – if a chainsaw touches your section you are ineligible for this prize (and this includes the chainsaw steward). So make sure your tools are sharp and put in the extra effort on any large stems you get.

But how do you impress the judges?

There is nothing wrong with using a saw, and a silky or similar pruning saw can produce a really good clean and fast cut, however traditionally hedge layers would cut off the heal with an axe or billhook, not a saw. This is not easy, your axe or billhook needs to be razor sharp and you aim needs to be spot on!

Your judge will be looking for a neat job and will award more marks for axe/billhook work, but it has to be done well!